The Moana Pacific building will make way for the Waterfront Theatre. Photo / Greg Bowker
The Moana Pacific building will make way for the Waterfront Theatre. Photo / Greg Bowker
An ambitious theatre project on the Auckland waterfront has moved a step closer, but needs a further $13.4 million to get over the line.
Last night, the ASB Community Trust said it would contribute $5 million towards the Auckland Theatre Company's proposed 600-seat theatre at Wynyard Quarter, to be builton the site of the Moana Pacific building.
Trust chairman Ken Whitney said the building would be a huge asset for the city, but more importantly, would develop regional cultural resources.
The $41 million project is alongside the ASB headquarters at Wynyard Quarter. The bank is contributing a 200-seat studio theatre in its own building, a plaza area and a carpark towards the theatre project, worth about $6 million.
The Auckland Council has said it would contribute $10 million, but not until the theatre company has all the funding arranged.
Councillors will discuss the project next week when they make decisions on Mayor Len Brown's 10-year budget. The ATC also has $5.7 million pledged from corporate and individual donors.
